Brining food products into the US?

[Andy and Kayla 45]

So, on A's last visit up here we came across these soybean and chickpea snackfoods and were very much interested in them. I have a peanut allergy so snacky alternatives like this are rare for me. Having said that, I know produce isn't generally allowed over the border either way but since these fall more into snackfood category than raw produce would they be likely to allow it? They're grown locally and packaged like any other snack item. I'm visitng A for Thanksgiving (US Thanksgiving) and was hoping to bring some down.

Edited October 6, 2010 by Andy and Kayla

[Udella&Wiz 325]

So, on A's last visit up here we came across these soybean and chickpea snackfoods and were very much interested in them. I have a peanut allergy so snacky alternatives like this are rare for me. Having said that, I know produce isn't generally allowed over the border either way but since these fall more into snackfood category than raw produce would they be likely to allow it? They're grown locally and packaged like any other snack item. I'm visitng A for Thanksgiving (US Thanksgiving) and was hoping to bring some down.

I doubt you'll have a problem. Every time we cross back into the US, the border guard asks what we have and we say 'some groceries'...they never specifically ask, but they could.

I bring all manner of bizarre things - PC jam, baking flour, cookie mix, canned pie filling, Wellesley Apple butter, chips, onion rings...well you get the picture

Packaged snack food will likely be fine...buy, try bringing it,,see what happens

[neiks 19]

You should be fine as long as it's not fresh fruit or vegetables. Citrus fruit is a big no no and depending on "what's going around" in terms of disease in plants most veggies are ok too.

[Saddle Bronc 124]

And on produce--the PFI's are generally quite lax in that regard (I've brought vegetables through more than a few times--in plain-old shopping bags, not even hidden).

I'm guessing that they think "well, it's passed Canada's guidelines so it should be ok for US as well".

Edited October 7, 2010 by Saddle Bronc

[warlord 73]

Yes things like that aren't a problem. You should see the total anual import of Ketchup Chips from Canadians going back into the US...

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Gawd forbid your bring the 'Florida' oranges back into the US

[Krikit 1,164]

I doubt you'll have a problem. Every time we cross back into the US, the border guard asks what we have and we say 'some groceries'...they never specifically ask, but they could.

Ditto. They've also gone through the items and I've never had a problem..... both ways. I've even brought Florida oranges to Canada with absolutely no problem.... both by air and land. Apparently it's okay if it's from a grower (I always bring them in those sealed net grower bags) but not okay if it's from someone's back yard. Anyway, here's a link to a post I made with all the details on bringing grocery items back and forth.

Haha. Forgot the link: Link

Edited October 7, 2010 by Krikit

[Andy and Kayla 45]

Thanks so much, guys! I figured they'd count more as snackfood than produce but I figured I should see what others' thought anyway.

RE: The ketchup chips, I definitely believe it! A has brought them back with him more than once and when I visited him in the summer I was asked to bring them as well as dill pickle flavoured ones.

[Marilyn. 340]

I just want some all-dressed chips

[Marilyn. 340]

I just saw this.. I can buy a dozen bags for $30 and that includes shipping...

http://www.canadaonly.ca/products/Ruffles-All%252dDressed-Potato-Chips-Deal!-Buy-a-DOZEN-x-43g-bags-%252d-shipping-included!.html

[Krikit 1,164]

You should treat yourself, Marilyn!

[prakriti 0]

I smuggled a grapefruit from my grandpa's front yard in Florida to Mexico, back to Florida, and then up to Canada where I forgot to eat it and had to throw it away. The Mexicans actually selected me for a bag search and were so incompetent at searching my bag that they didn't notice the giant grapefruit in there. The Americans didn't ask. The Canadians don't care.

Edited October 8, 2010 by prakriti

[warlord 73]

RE: The ketchup chips, I definitely believe it! A has brought them back with him more than once and when I visited him in the summer I was asked to bring them as well as dill pickle flavoured ones.

A few years ago at the Toronto Airport coming back through US customs they asked if I was bringing anything back, and I said just some bags of chips. The border guard looked at me and asked "Let me guess, Ketchup chips?" I looked at him and was how the hell did you know that? I wasn't aware that it's Canada's biggest export to the US at the time...

[Saddle Bronc 124]

I'll reask an old question. What would happen if I book a return trip Dulles to Chennai with a transit through Dorval on the return-journey, and carry some mangoes back in my luggage?

[Krikit 1,164]

Are you going through Customs at Dorval or just catching a connecting flight? I know my sister had her fruit confiscated at MCO on a flight from MAN.... but it was in her hand luggage. With the x-ray machines all the luggage goes through now they may see the mangoes as suspicious and remove them anyway.